Tacoma 4 cyl 2010 - How to disable power steering?

My son's handed down TACO 2010 4 cyl has major problems with power steering. The local Toyota dealer inspected the situation indicated the following work needed to be done:
1) Leaking - Power Steering Rack $1711.91
2) Leaking - Power Steering Pump $802.17
3) Leaking - Steering pressure line and return line $822.71
4) Rotting and Binding - Lower Steering Shaft Assembly $599.86
5) Rusted and Seized - Both outer tie rod ends $167

I am wondering if i might be able to disable the power steering and focus on fixing #4, and #5 for the time being. Has anyone done that to a 2010, or compatible model? Any advice on how to go about it would be greatly appreciated. - Mark

 

Never take an older vehicle to a dealer. Get a second opinion from a trusted independent shop.

 

Damn, that dealers trying to really fuck you. Go get an opinion from a non dealer with good reviews. Even using OEM parts, you could replace the rack, pump, lines, intermediate shaft and tie rod ends for about $1600 in parts, plus labor which is maybe another $600-$800 depending on the shop rate. Even cheaper if you use quality aftermarket parts.

 

Thanks Rusty and Randy: I will get a second opinion from local foreign/domestic repair shop. I know their hourly is ~ 20% less than the dealer's rate, and they are backlogged with work.

I still am curious if i can some how isolate the power steering "junk" in a way that allows my son to use the vehicle while stock-piling money to do the proper repair.

 

The steering is a rack & pinion assembly, it really isn't designed to be operated without the pump providing assist.
Just how bad is the leaking/binding situation?

The parts aren't terribly expensive if you can do the work yourself.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2010,tacoma,2.7l+l4,1445516,steering

 

I ordered a Haynes repair manual on speculation that i might do some of the work myself. Been a while since i skinned my knuckles, but i have an abundance of skin.

The dealer actually found more defects, see full list below. Total damage: $12,222.58

Steering:
1) Leaking - Power Steering Rack
2) Leaking - Power Steering Pump
3) Leaking - Steering pressure line and return line
4) Rotting and Binding - Lower Steering Shaft Assembly
5) Rusted and Seized - Both outer tie rod ends
6) Out of Alignment - Do Alignment

Muffler:
7) Rotted mufller, flanges are coming apart and are paper thin – Replace muffler

Engine Belt:
8) Rotted and cracking - Alt/Air conditional belt

Oil Leak:
9) Oil Leak – Head Gasket, formed in place gasket, Crank Seal, All o-rings, coolant and replace engine oil

Misc:
10) Kinked - Drivers Front Steel Brake Line from Hose to Caliper

Based on what is needed, what tools (special and non-special) do you think I need?

 

As a tech I’d quote all of that but suggest starting with just the rack and a mega pressure wash.

new fluid on a new rack would have less pressure and would likely slow the leak down.

good luck